A town in Essex is preparing to endorse a landmark investment programme in its council housing stock, touting it as the ‘biggest-ever investment’ in the area’s public housing.
During a cabinet meeting scheduled for 13 November, councillors in Harlow will consider a new plan designed to speed up major upgrades to council homes, eliminating delays that have historically hindered timely improvements.
The council plans to allocate £51 million towards upgrading council homes by 31 March 2026, and the funding will cover a range of essential works, including roof replacements, new windows, kitchen and bathroom refurbishments, and vital fire safety upgrades.
This initiative is part of a strategy to overhaul the procurement process, allowing works to commence promptly at the start of each financial year and avoiding the typical 12 to 18-month delays that have slowed past projects.
Councillor David Carter said: ‘This record level of funding shows our absolute commitment to improving the quality, safety, and comfort of homes for our residents by investing in our housing.’
This £51 million investment forms a segment of a wider budgetary increase. For the 2025/26 financial year, Harlow Council approved a housing budget exceeding £136.6 million, more than doubling its investment compared to 2019/20.
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The increased funding encompasses:
- Upgrading and refurbishing many more council homes
- Improving the repairs and maintenance service
- Rolling out the tenancy audit programme to inspect every council home every year
- Fully meeting every commitment made to the Social Housing Regulator
- Accelerating the specialist stock condition survey of every home
- Reducing the turnaround time on empty council homes
- Creating over 1,500 new residential parking spaces
- Implementing the overhauled housing allocations system to ensure homes are for local families
This dual focus seeks to improve existing properties while expanding affordable housing availability throughout the town.
Things to do in Harlow
Harlow boasts one of the country’s largest urban parks — a Grade II listed expanse covering more than 160 acres of open green space.
Within its grounds, visitors can enjoy five beautifully maintained gardens, a bandstand, children’s play zones, an outdoor gym, a paddling pool, a skate park, and a welcoming café.
One of the park’s main attractions is Pets’ Corner, a free petting zoo that’s home to a diverse range of animals, including pigs, chickens, reindeer, llamas, and even snakes.
For those interested in local history, Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens offers a fascinating look back through time, displaying over 40,000 artefacts that span a millennium.
Art enthusiasts can also wander along the sculpture trail, featuring works by renowned artists such as Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore, and Barbara Hepworth.
Culture lovers are well catered for at the Harlow Playhouse, which regularly hosts performances ranging from stand-up comedy and drag shows to live music and theatre productions.
Shoppers will also find plenty to explore, with a mix of big-name brands and independent boutiques spread across the Harvey Centre, the Water Gardens, and Broad Walk.
Direct trains to London from Harlow Town and Harlow Mill stations take roughly half an hour, while it’s 50 minutes to Cambridge, meaning residents have easy access to both cities.
Property prices in Harlow
According to Rightmove, homes in Harlow sold for an average of £346,867 over the last year — a whole lot less than the London figure of £653,694.
Prices in the area were up 2% over the previous year, similar to the 2022 peak of £349,083.
Terraced properties were the most popular (selling for £333,345 on average), while flats went for an average of £216,089 and semi-detached properties fetched £412,100.
What locals are saying about Harlow
Local Reddit users in the subreddit r/Essex were quick to share Harlow’s shortcomings.
@Leathershoe4 described it as ‘dull and lifeless’ and @samwich-4 called Harlow a ‘depressing place to be.’
However, some came to the town’s defence, with @Sufficient-Network83 praising its ‘good education facilities, great leisure centre, great transport links’ and adding: ‘It is a pretty town with its green spaces, and much of the ugly town centre is going to be redeveloped.’
Metro deputy editor and long-time Harlow resident Claie Wilson also came to the town’s defence.
‘Harlow is often given a bad rap as it’s such a big town – and there’s no denying it needs some TLC, but it’s also got so much going for it,’ she said.
‘Surrounded by beautiful countryside and cycle paths there are so many places to explore – from the towpath along the River Stort and our massive town park, to the local walled museum and the nearby Gibberd Gardens.
‘Then there’s our town centre which is currently getting a much needed refurb, and has always welcomed people from neighbouring towns for a bit of retail therapy thanks to a good variety of shops and restaurants. We even have two Cineworlds in Harlow, get us!’
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